In South Central Los Angeles three friends grow up in an inner-city neighborhood characterized by drugs, violence and crime. Escape, adapt, survive - there are no easy choices and every action has its consequence. -- Chris Kavan

Very realistic coupled with a solid cast of Fishburne, Cuba Gooding Jr. and Angela Bassett. Believable performances and fantastic direction. A few memorable lines: Furious Styles - "Any fool with a dick can make a baby, but only a real man can raise his children." Doughboy - " Either they don't know, don't show, or don't care about what's going on in the hood." Boyz n the Hood delivers the drama and effects of vices.

A heartbreaking and gritty portrayal of life growing up in a crime-ridden South Central neighborhood. The acting here is powerful and effective and John Singleton's debut directing job may be his best so far. The tone captured here is unforgettable.

A strong contender for the most under-rated movie. I think a lot of people believe this to be a very different movie to the one it actually is. It's a drama. A very strong drama, which sure, it looks a little dated now, but the drama still works wonderfully. The actors, even Ice Cube pull off a remarkle feat of keeping it all very real and not overly emotional, in a film that could have been a sentimental mess. There are underdogs, people to root for, people to boo at, a final confrontation and ultimate redemption. Credit is due for John Singleton, who may not have had the best career after this, but it's his baby, and deserves to mentioned in any discussion regarding best film debuts. One of the best films of the 90's for sure.